And now, the flu.

IT'S NOT LIKE BUSINESS DIDN'T have enough to deal with, what with a recession and all. Now a flu bug is floating around that could cause even more headaches, of both the literal and figurative kind.

The federal government offers businesses a checklist to help them prepare for the impact of a swine flu outbreak on their operations. It can be found at www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/business/ businesschecklist.html.

Here's what the Department of Health & Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention said:

"In the event of pandemic influenza, businesses will play a key role in protecting employees' health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy and society. Planning for pandemic influenza is critical."

The Web site lists specific actions businesses can take to prepare. Most of them could be used for any type of emergency. In addition to www.pandemicflu.gov, www.cdc.gov/business also offers help.

While no cases of swine flu have yet been reported in Arkansas, the state Department of Health also has a guide at www.healthyarkansas.com to help businesses prepare for a pandemic so they can minimize the effects and protect their employees. Businesses can protect employees and customers by educating their workers about proper hand hygiene, cough etiquette and social distancing techniques, the department says.

There were initial fears that the flu could have a major impact on the state's agriculture industry, particularly Tyson Foods Inc., the nation's second-largest hog producer. Those fears have subsided with news that Tyson's herds did not have the flu and were safe.

Nevertheless, a widespread outbreak, if it happens, could hurt tourism, restaurants and transportation companies, slowing any recovery from the recession and possibly worsening it.

Let's all try to stay healthy.